Terrence Mawawa

The Warriors of Zimbabwe lost to Zambia’ s Copper Bullets in the Invitational Tournament semi final clash yesterday.

The Warriors lost 5-4 to Zambia on penalties.

A last minute goal from Lazarus Kambole spoiled
the day for the Warriors who had taken the lead a minute into the second half.

The home team could have gone ahead early in the
game, but a well-disciplined defence and some
heroic saves from goalkeeper George Chigova kept
the home team at bay, going to the break with no
goals scored.

Isaac Shamujompa’ s own
goal in the 46th minute gave Zimbabwe the lead.

Evans Rusike could have doubled the advantage on
the hour mark, but he failed to find the back of the
net from close range.

However, Justin Shonga levelled terms a minute
later with a well executed half volley.
But the parity didn’t last long as Talent Chawapiwa
restored the lead when he smashed home a long-
range strike seven minutes later -which left the
goalkeeper with no chance.

Chipolopolo began to pile pressure in search of an
equaliser, forcing Chigova to make a double save a
few minutes before the final whistle.

A free kick in the stoppage time saw
Kambole firing home a rebound to send the
game into the dreaded penalty shootout.

Zambia converted five kicks while Zimbabwe only
managed four. The hosts will now face South
Africa in the final and the Warriors will face
Angola in the 3rd/4th contest.